This is an illustrated book about Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, and the only president to hold three terms.

This book is primarily for young adults who want to learn about the life of a young man born into wealth, and who as an adult, was responsible for many accomplishments in advocating for the poor. Sadly in his adulthood he was struck down by polio. This crippling disease did not stop him from continuing his presidency and his tenacious spirit. ( )

A Boy Named FDR would be most appropriate for elementary school children, most specifically grades 1-4. Krull explores the life of the young Franklin Roosevelt and uses it to examine why we became a president eager to help his fellow citizens reach their full potential. For the most part, the book spans in time from his birth until FDR was stricken with polio. The book contains a chronology of Roosevelt's life as well as a bibliography (which includes adult and juvenile selections).

This beautifully illustrated book tells the life story of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. When I think of FDR as president I see a man determined to provide work and help for the poor after the Great Depression, the calm, reassuring voice coming from the radio during Fireside Chats, our leader during World War II. This is not what I would have expected from the boy who was born to privilege in a family where he was the center of attention. As an only child in a tremendously wealthy family, FDR was given everything he needed and wanted. He was also instilled with the idea that he had a responsibility to help those less fortunate.

FDR was a natural leader and followed in the footsteps of his cousin, Theodore Roosevelt, first running for senate and winning the seat in New York. FDR was stricken with Polio in 1921. This only slowed him down for a few years. FDR went on to be elected Governor of New York and later president of the United States of America, serving for four terms during tremendously trying time in our country.

This is a well written picture book packed with a great deal of information about FDR. ( )

Summary: this book tells of the life and ambition of Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was born into a family of wealth and privilege. He was taught early how to help the poor and needy. He was involved in sports and that carried on into his college days. FDR knew President Grover Cleveland who was a friend of the family who said something to FDR that might have encouraged him to seek after being in politics. FDR also had a famous cousin who was President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. Everything that FRD did while a student at Harvard was leading up to his political career. He run for the senate, and won, then governor of New York. But when FDR was 39 years old he was got sick with a disease called polio, and would never walk again. Even though FDR was paralyzed he run for President and won.

Personal reaction: this book was a fun way to learn about FDR life and challenge of dealing with having a disability, as well as being President of the United States.

Extension: I would use this book in the classroom for teaching a theme on Presidents, and how FRD did not allow his disability or him being different stop him for setting big goals for himself.

This story is about a boy who is born into a wealthy family. He is humble and like other boys in his private school. He grows up to do more for ordinary people then any president has.